Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has launched a scathing attack on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the alleged invasion of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, warning that the reported use of teargas inside a medical facility reflects a dangerous culture of recklessness within public institutions.

Obi, reacting through his official X handle on Thursday, described the incident as “a thoughtless act” capable of putting the lives of vulnerable patients, doctors, nurses, and caregivers at grave risk.

The former Anambra State governor said while anti-graft agencies have constitutional powers to investigate and arrest suspects, no agency has the right to carry out operations in a manner that threatens human lives or desecrates critical national institutions such as hospitals.

According to reports referenced by Obi, operatives of the EFCC allegedly stormed the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital in an attempt to arrest Professor Eyo Ekpe, a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon and deputy chairman of the hospital’s medical advisory committee. During the operation, teargas canisters were allegedly discharged within the hospital environment, causing panic as patients and health workers reportedly fled for safety.

Obi said the incident paints a disturbing picture of institutional disorder and raises serious questions about professionalism, operational discipline, and respect for human dignity within some security agencies.

“This thoughtless act greatly compromised safety within the hospital and further endangered the lives of already vulnerable patients,” Obi stated, insisting that no legitimate law enforcement action should result in fear and chaos inside a healthcare facility.

He argued that the incident goes beyond the attempted arrest of an individual, stressing that it symbolises a broader erosion of civility in public service and a growing disregard for the rule of law.

The former presidential candidate lamented that Nigeria’s fragile healthcare system is already under immense pressure due to poor funding, brain drain, and shortage of specialists, making any form of intimidation or humiliation against medical professionals even more damaging.

Obi noted that Nigeria reportedly has only about 80 cardiothoracic surgeons serving a population of over 230 million people, adding that Professor Eyo Ekpe is believed to be the only specialist in that field currently serving Akwa Ibom State.

He questioned the message such an operation sends to doctors and other professionals struggling to keep the nation’s collapsing healthcare sector alive despite harsh working conditions and mass migration of skilled personnel abroad.

“If a professor of cardiothoracic surgery can be treated in such a degrading manner within a hospital environment, what hope or encouragement are we giving to other medical professionals?” he asked.

Obi warned that nations cannot function effectively where law enforcement operations are driven by intimidation rather than professionalism and respect for established procedures.

Calling for restraint, accountability, and institutional reform, he urged public officials and security agencies to abandon what he described as “rascality and disorderliness” in the discharge of their duties.

He maintained that Nigeria must return to a culture of civility, responsibility, and respect for life if the country hopes to rebuild public trust and strengthen its institutions.
“A New Nigeria is Possible,” Obi declared.